Vehicle instrumentation/console lighting

ABSTRACT

Interior vehicle instrumentation and/or console lighting is provided by an interior rearview mirror assembly or interior lamp assembly incorporating a non-incandescent, directed, low level, low power, non-glare producing light emitting source. The source illuminates portions of the vehicle interior such as the instrumentation or controls in the instrument panel or console area. One or more of such light emitting sources is optionally mounted on or within the mirror case or mirror support separate from any conventional incandescent lamp or lamps which may be mounted in the mirror assembly to provide general interior lighting. Alternately, the light emitting source can be mounted on or within an interior vehicle lamp assembly such as a dome lamp, rail lamp, or the like. Preferably, the light emitting source is a solid state lamp such as a light emitting diode, is controlled via the ignition switch and/or a rheostat/dimmer switch, and most preferably provides a maximum illumination of about 0.2 to 4.0 lux at 22 to 26 inches at about 20 mA to about 50 mA or less current and about 2.0 volts to about 5.0 volts or less.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/367,844,filed Dec. 30, 1994, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,996.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to interior vehicle instrumentation and/orconsole lighting and, more particularly, to interior rearview mirrorassemblies and interior lamp assemblies for vehicles which incorporate alow level light emitting source for non-glare producing illumination ofinstrumentation or controls within a vehicle, especially in theinstrument panel or control console areas at the front of the vehiclepassenger compartment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional lighting within vehicles includes general interior lightingfor reading, entry of passengers at night and the like, as well aslocalized lighting for instrumentation and control switches. The formeris typically provided by one or more lighting assemblies in the roof,header area, door panels or quarter window areas of the vehicle, whilethe latter is usually provided by means of individual light emittingsources at the rear of an instrument cluster or switch to provide backlighting visible from the front of the instrument or control. However,these conventional lighting sources fail to provide illumination of manyother controls needed to fully operate the vehicle, leaving the driveror passenger to grope clumsily at night or in low light conditions tofind items such as an ashtray, door handle, seat or window switch,heater control, cup holder, or the like. Alternately, the person mayswitch on a general overhead light to find a particular control orhandle but creating high levels of unwanted glare causing unsafe drivingconditions for the vehicle driver. Use of such a conventional overheador other general illumination light emitting source has typicallyincluded an incandescent bulb requiring high power levels and creatingadditional heat within the vehicle. Such incandescent light bulbs arealso subject to short life spans and frequent failure. Consequently,incandescent light bulbs are usually a service item in the vehiclenormally requiring service instruction to the dealership and/or consumerand spare part inventory by the vehicle manufacturer. Moreover, use ofsuch conventional lighting cannot be continuous during night vehicle usebecause of the high glare levels produced, thereby leaving many controlswithin the vehicle unidentified for most night driving or other lowlevel light conditions.

Accordingly, the need was recognized for improved illumination ofinstrumentation, controls, and/or other areas within a vehicle whichwould avoid production of unwanted, unsafe glare yet identify necessaryvehicle controls without typical backlit instrumentation and electricalcontrol switches.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In recognition of the above, the present invention provides acentralized low level illumination source for use within the interior ofa vehicle which obviates the need for local light emitting sources, suchas those conventionally used to provide backlit illumination of controlpanel and control fascia instrumentation and controls, while alsoilluminating vehicle controls which were normally unlit and unidentifiedsuch as center consoles, shift levers, cup holders, parking brakelevers, interior door handles, storage receptacles, sunroof controls,and the like. More specifically, the invention provides anon-incandescent, directed, low level, light emitting source in aninterior rearview mirror assembly or interior vehicle lamp assemblywhich provides local area illumination taking advantage of the central,high-mounted, geographical location of the interior mirror assembly orother location of a lamp assembly within the vehicle.

In one form, the invention is an interior rearview mirror assembly forvehicles comprising a mirror case, a reflective mirror element withinthe case, a support for securing the assembly on a vehicle, anon-incandescent, directed, low level light emitting source, and a mountreceiving the light emitting source, the light emitting source beingpositioned to provide directed, low level illumination of an interiorportion of the vehicle. Preferably, the mount is on or within at leastone of the mirror case and support. The light emitting source mayoptionally be mounted on either the mirror case or on the mirror supportsuch as the mirror mounting arm. When on the mounting arm, the lightemitting source may be positioned at the header area of the arm where itconnects to the vehicle roof, or be separately mounted such as in aninstrument housing/pod suspended from the mounting arm. The mirror casemay also include at least one lamp, typically incandescent, providinggeneral illumination within the vehicle for reading, courtesy lightingduring passenger entry, or the like, which lamp may be separatelyswitched from the low level light emitting source.

The low level light emitting source avoids causing glare visible by thevehicle driver, and preferably provides illumination of less than about60 lux, preferably less than about 25 lux, and most preferably less thanabout 10 lux at the locations desired to be illuminated. Preferably, thelight emitting source is a solid state source such as a light emittingdiode although vacuum fluorescent sources, electroluminescent sources(including both organic electroluminescent sources and inorganicelectroluminescent sources), and semiconductor laser sources may also beused. The preferred light emitting diode is preferably mounted in ahollow mounting adaptor telescopingly receiving the diode in one end andoptionally being closed by a lens at the other end. The adaptor ispreferably mounted in the bottom wall of the mirror case to the rear ofthe reflective rear element or in a wall of an interior vehicle lampassembly in a manner that avoids creation of unwanted glare. If desired,two or more of such low level light emitting sources may be incorporatedin the mirror assembly at spaced locations for directing light at adesired or different portions of the vehicle interior, or may be groupedto provide more intense and/or broader area local illumination.

In the most preferred form, the light emitting diode low level lightemitting source provides a maximum illumination of about 0.2 to 4.0 luxat about 22 to 26 inches at about 20 mA to about 50 mA current, or less,and about 2.0 volts to about 5.0 volts, or less. The diode is typicallyconnected in series with a suitable electrical resistor (typically lessthan about 1500 ohms and greater than about 100 ohms in electricalresistance; more preferably, less than about 1000 ohms and greater thanabout 200 ohms in resistance) to reduce the current to the diode and,preferably, to enable connection to an ignition voltage of the vehicle(typically 9 to 16 volts with about 12 volts nominal) and may becontrolled by the ignition switch of the vehicle power system and/or bya rheostat/dimmer switch located, for example, at the headlight controlswitch for the vehicle.

The interior rearview mirror assembly or interior vehicle lamp assemblyincorporating the low level light emitting source of the presentinvention provides numerous advantages over prior known vehicleinstrumentation or control illumination sources. The present lightemitting source may be directed to specific areas of instrumentation orcontrol switches and provides illumination of controls previously unlitsuch as shift levers, parking brake levers, ashtrays, cupholders, HVACcontrols, radio knobs and the like. The light emitting source is smalland compact in size and highly durable having a life span typicallylonger than the operational lifetime of the vehicle itself, and may bemounted in confined locations without concern for access for repair orreplacement. The light emitting source preferably provides a definedpattern of light such as a cone of light which may be directed asdesired without any separate reflector, separate lens, separatecollimator, etc.; has low power consumption requirements and thus,desirably and optionally, may be illuminated whenever the ignitionswitch of the vehicle is at the accessory on position or at the ignitionon position, day and night; creates virtually no heat within thevehicle; and is amenable to mounting in many areas for illumination ofdesired controls. Moreover, the light emitting source avoids thecreation of unwanted, unsafe glare which could otherwise distract ortemporarily disable a vehicle driver. The light emitting source may alsobe used separately or together with other low level light emittingsources, can be used with virtually any mirror assembly or interior lampassembly and can be adjusted if mounted on or within the mirror case, orfixed in position on or within the mirror support such as on or withinthe mirror mounting arm or the coupling channel member, a separateinstrument pod, or an interior lamp assembly. The light emitting sourcecan also provide a variety of pleasing illumination colors without theneed for separate coloring filters.

These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of theinvention will become more apparent from a study of the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of an interior rearview mirror assemblyincorporating a low level light emitting source of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle passenger compartmentincorporating the rearview mirror assembly with low level light emittingsource of FIG. 1 and illustrating illumination of the center consolearea of the passenger compartment;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan view of the rearview mirror assembly with lowlevel light emitting source shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation of the interior of the rearview mirrorassembly of FIGS. 1 and 3 taken along plane IV--IV of FIG. 3 andillustrating the mounting of the low level light emitting source;

FIG. 5 is a sectional side elevation of the interior rear view mirrorassembly taken along plane V--V of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, sectional elevation of area VI of FIG. 4illustrating the mounting of the light emitting diode forming the lowlevel light emitting source;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of the wire harness providing the electricalcircuit for the low level light emitting source and separatecourtesy/reading map lights incorporated in the rearview mirror assemblyof FIGS. 1 and 3-5;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of the electrical circuit for a vehicleincorporating the interior rearview mirror assembly of FIGS. 1 and 3-5illustrating control of the low level light emitting source via thevehicle ignition switch;

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a vehicle electrical system incorporating theinterior rearview mirror assembly of FIGS. 1 and 3-5 illustratingcontrol of the low level light emitting source by a rheostat in theheadlight control switch;

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a second embodiment of theinterior rearview mirror assembly of the present invention incorporatinga pair of low level light emitting sources illuminating different areasof the vehicle interior;

FIG. 11 is a front elevation of the interior of the rearview mirrorassembly similar to FIG. 4 but incorporating two low level lightemitting sources;

FIG. 12 is a partially broken perspective view of a third embodiment ofthe interior rearview mirror assembly of the present inventionincorporating a low level light emitting source in the header mountingbracket of the rearview mirror mounting arm of the assembly;

FIG. 13 is a side elevation of the rearview mirror assembly of FIG. 12with portions broken away illustrating the mounting of the low levellight emitting source in the header mounting bracket;

FIG. 14 is a side elevation of a fourth embodiment of the interiorrearview mirror assembly incorporating a low level light emitting sourceof the present invention with the light emitting source mounted in aseparate instrument housing/pod attached to the mirror support;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of the instrument housing/pod incorporatingthe low level light emitting source taken along plane XV--XV of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of the instrument housing/pod of FIGS. 14 and 15;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an alternate interior rearview mirrorassembly incorporating a low level light emitting source, the reflectivemirror element and retaining bezel being removed for viewing theinternal construction of the assembly;

FIG. 18 is a sectional, side elevation of the interior rearview mirrorassembly of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is an enlarged, sectional view of area XIX of FIG. 18 of the lowlevel light emitting source mounted in the interior rearview mirrorassembly;

FIG. 20 is an exploded, perspective view of an interior vehicle lampassembly incorporating a low level light emitting source of the presentinvention;

FIG. 21 is a sectional, bottom plan view of the interior vehicle lampassembly shown in FIG. 20; and

FIG. 22 is a diagram of the electrical circuit for the interior vehiclelamp assembly of FIGS. 20 and 21.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings in greater detail, FIGS. 1-7 illustrate afirst embodiment 10 of an interior rearview mirror assembly of thepresent invention which incorporates a low level light emitting sourceadapted for centralized illumination of portions of a vehicle interiorsuch as the instrumentation or controls in the instrument panel and/orconsole areas of a vehicle. Such console areas include floor consoles121 (FIG. 2), shift lever consoles 125 (FIGS. 2 and 10), instrumentpanel consoles 130 (FIG. 10), side door consoles 134 (FIG. 10), and, forlight emitting sources mounted to direct light upwardly to the roofareas of the vehicle, header consoles 136 (FIG. 10) located such as inthe headliner area and roof area such as above the front vehicle seats.The shift lever console 125 includes the gear shift or transmissionselector lever including the PRND21 transmission selector indicatorpanel and, optionally, small part/coin storage bins, cup holders,ashtrays, control switches, etc. Such shift lever consoles are typicallylocated in the floor centerline of the vehicle. However, on somevehicles, they may be mounted elsewhere such as on or about the steeringcolumn or off the instrument panel/front facia. Rearview mirror assembly10 includes a support 80 for securing the mirror assembly to the vehicleon a windshield mounted member as shown in FIGS. 5 and 14, or a mirrorsupport arm 154 having a breakaway header bracket 158 secured to theroof area of the vehicle above the windshield as shown in FIGS. 12 and13. As will be more fully explained hereinafter, rearview mirrorassembly 10 includes a directed, low level, non-incandescent lightemitting source 90, preferably positioned on or within the mirror caseand on or within the mirror support. In addition to low level lightemitting source 90, mirror case 12 may also optionally include one ormore lamp assemblies 24, 26 which provide separately switched, generalillumination of the vehicle interior for reading, passenger entry, orthe like. As explained below, low level light emitting source 90 iscontrolled separately from the lamp assemblies 24, 26 by the vehicleignition switch and/or by a rheostat/dimmer switch such as thattypically incorporated with the headlight control switch for thevehicle.

Mirror assembly 10 includes a typically hollow mirror case 12 moldedfrom resinous plastic material, preferably a fiber reinforced nylonplastic or an ABS plastic, or polypropylene, or other similarthermoplastic or thermoset material, and includes a similarly moldedperipheral rim or bezel 12a also preferably formed from reinforced nylonor ABS plastic or polypropylene including spaced projections (not shown)snap-fitted into clips 14 integrally molded adjacent the peripherywithin case 12 (FIG. 4). Bezel 12a holds a prismatic, reflectiverearview mirror element 16, preferably formed from transparent glass orresinous plastic material and having a reflective coating on its rearsurface, fixed within the case. Mirror case 12 is preferably of the typedescribed in commonly assigned, U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,448, the disclosureof which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, and includes anovercenter pivot type day/night actuator assembly 18 including a togglemember 20 preferably molded from reinforced nylon and a pivot lever 22preferably molded from acetal and of the type disclosed in commonlyassigned, U.S. Pat. No. 5,327,288, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein. Movement of pivot lever 22 between thetwo positions shown in FIG. 5 rotates mirror case 12 including bezel 12aand reflective mirror element 16 about pivot axle 24 thereby changingthe position of the prismatic mirror element from a high reflectivityday position in which incident light is reflected to the user's eyesfrom the highly reflective rear surface of the element 16 to a reducedreflectivity, partial reflectance, night position in which a reducedamount of light incident on the mirror element is reflected from thefront surface of mirror element 16.

In addition, mirror case 12 includes a pair of lamp assemblies 24, 26positioned on either side of actuator assembly 18 within compartments25, 27 defined by walls 28, 30 molded on the interior of the back wall13 of mirror case 12. The bottom portion 15 of the periphery of mirrorcase 12 includes a pair of light openings 32, 34, each light openingcommunicating with the respective compartment 25, 27 through which lightfrom lamp assemblies 24-26 passes out of the mirror assembly. Lampcompartments 25, 27 also communicate respectively with a series ofopenings 36 and a series of openings 38 (FIG. 4) near the top wall 17 ofthe periphery of mirror case 12 thereby providing a ventilation pathfrom opening 32 or 34 past each lamp assembly through each compartment.Lamp assemblies 24, 26 preferably include cartridge style, incandescentlight bulbs 39 (FIGS. 4 and 7) having a metallic connector at each endand preferably a four candle power rating received in bayonet style lampholders 40, 42 positioned at spaced locations within the respectivecompartments 25, 27. In addition, generally U-shaped, bent metallicreflectors 44, 46, preferably formed from bright-dipped, anodizedaluminum alloy, are mounted in the respective compartments to extendaround the length of light bulbs 39 and reflect light from those bulbsthrough openings 32, 34, respectively. Lamp assembly 24 is positioned todirect light through opening 32 generally downwardly while assembly 26directs light downwardly and to the right from the position shown inFIG. 4. Lenses 48, 50, preferably formed from polycarbonate, are mountedin recessed openings 32, 34 to help direct light from lamp assemblies24, 26 into the lap areas of the driver and passenger within thevehicle, respectively. Each lens defines a peripheral opening with theedge of its respective opening 32, 34 extending therearound to providean entrance to the ventilation passageway allowing air to pass intocompartments 25, 27. In addition, rear ventilation openings such asthose shown at 52, 54 may be provided through rear wall 13 of mirrorcase 12 to provide additional ventilation of the compartments.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, lamp assemblies 24, 26 including bulbs 39 areconnected to a source of electrical power in the vehicle electricalsystem by means of a wiring harness 60 including a connection block 62mounted within mirror case 12 from which power from the vehicleelectrical system is routed to the respective lamp assemblies 24, 26 byelectrical wiring forming separate electrical circuits 64, 66. Connectorblock 62 is connected to the vehicle electrical system by a plug (notshown) received through an opening in back wall 13 of the mirror case.Each circuit includes a single pole, double-throw switch 68a, 68b forindividual actuation of bulb 39 in lamp assembly 24 or 26 as desired. Asexplained more fully below, connection block 62 also provides a sourceof electrical power for a third electrical circuit 70 connected to thelow power light emitting source 90.

As is best seen in FIG. 5, actuator assembly 18 includes a ball member72 preferably formed from metal such as die-cast zinc, insert moldedwithin toggle member 20 and projecting rearwardly through an opening inthe back wall 13 of mirror case 12. Ball member 72 is connected tomirror support 80 including a pivotal, double ball joint mounting arm 82which, in turn, is connected to a preferably die-cast zinc couplingchannel member 84 adapted for attachment to a windshield mountedsecuring member as is conventionally known in the art. Channel member 84is fixed with respect to the windshield wherein mirror case 12 andmounting arm 82 are moveable. Other forms of mirror supports may also beused such as single pivot mounting arms attached to the vehicle in theheader roof area above the windshield as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13hereinafter, as well as other supports.

As is also shown in FIGS. 1 and 3-7, the low level, directed, lightemitting source 90 of the present invention is mounted in interiorrearview mirror assembly 10 so as to direct low level light through thebottom wall 15 of the mirror case. A variety of emitting sources may beused as light emitting source 90, including, but not limited to, veryhigh intensity amber and reddish-orange light emitting diode (LED)sources, such as solid state light emitting diode LED sources utilizingdouble heterojunction AlGaAs/GaAs material technology, such as very highintensity red LED lamps T-1 3/4 (5 mm) HLMP-4100/4101, available fromHewlett Packard Corporation, Palo Alto, Calif., or which use transparentsubstrate aluminum indium gallium phosphide (AlInGaP) materialtechnology, commercially available from Hewlett Packard Corporation,Palo Alto, Calif. under the designation T-1 3/4 (5 mm) HLMT-DL00,HLMT-CH00, HLMT-CL00, HLMT-CH15, HLMT-CL15 and HLMT-DH00, or which useInGaAlP material technology available from Toshiba Corporation ofLatham, N.Y., such as under the designation TLRH180D. Light emittancecolors provided by such solid-state sources include orange, yellow,amber, red and reddish-orange, desirably without need of ancillaryspectral filters. The preferred solid-state light emitting diodes, at25° C. or thereabouts, operate at a forward voltage of about 2 volts toabout 5 volts; have a luminous intensity (measured at the peak of thespacial radiation pattern which may not be aligned with the mechanicalaxis of the source package) of a minimum, at 20 mA current, of about 500to about 5000 mcd (typical, about 700 to about 7000 mcd); operate at aforward current of about 20 mA to about 50 mA; emit with a dominantwavelength (CIE Chromaticity Diagram) of about 530 nm to about 680 nm;and have a viewing angle 2θ_(1/2) (where θ_(1/2) is the off-axis anglewhere the luminous intensity is one half the peak intensity) of about 5degrees to about 25 degrees.

Alternatively, vacuum fluorescent sources, such as 12V battery driven,high luminance, vacuum fluorescent sources may be advantageously used.It may also be advantageous to use sources 90 which operate efficientlyat about 12V or lower since these voltages are particularly amenable tomotor vehicles. Also, ultrahigh luminance vacuum fluorescent sources,such as those suitable for heads-up-display applications in motorvehicles may be used with appropriate circuitry. Light emitting source90 preferably produces a light level which, when measured at about 22 to26 inches, is desirably less than about 60 lux, preferably less thanabout 25 lux, and most preferably less than about 10 lux, and has a lowpower consumption requiring a current less than about 200 mA, andpreferably less than about 100 mA, and most preferably less than about50 mA. Alternately, non-LED, non-incandescent light emitting sources canbe utilized such as electroluminescent sources, or semiconductor lasersources. The electroluminescent sources may be either inorganic ororganic electroluminescent sources. Light emitting source 90 preferablyhas a well-defined light pattern, such as a cone of directed, low levellight which eliminates the need for reflectors or other separate opticalcomponents to direct the light where desired, is preferably mounted onor within the mirror case 12, the mounting arm 82 or the channel member84, and positioned to direct light at the desired area of the vehicleinterior, e.g., the instrument panel or console area, and generates lowheat while having an extremely long and durable life which typicallywill outlast the operational life of the rearview mirror assembly andthe vehicle on which it is mounted. If mounted on or within channelmember 84, light emitting source 90 may be fixed to illuminate apredetermined location within the interior cabin. The small size oflight emitting source 90, which preferably has a cross-sectional arealess than about 4 cm², and more preferably less than about 1 cm², allowsit to be easily positioned within the confined spaces of the rearviewmirror assembly or interior lamp assembly. Because of their durability,these sources require little or no maintenance or repair therebyeliminating concern for access after mirror assembly 10 or an interiorlamp assembly is manufactured. The preferred HLMT-DL00 diode fromHewlett Packard is available with a generally circular area of about 0.3cm² and requires only 20 mA current for operation and provides a 23°cone of directed light with a dominant amber color of a typical dominantwavelength of approximately 590 nm, and a typical intensity of 1500millicandela (mcd). Preferably, a resistor of about 450 ohms to about500 ohms, typically about 470 ohms, is connected in series with thepreferred LED, with the ignition/battery voltage of the vehicle beingdirectly applied across their series connection. Other colors such asgreen, orange, yellow, red and blue may also be obtained depending onthe elemental composition of the diode or other light emitting sourceselected. Separate filters are not required to produce the colors. Thelow level illumination provided by the light emitting diode 90preferably has a maximum of about 0.2 to 4.0 lux at a distance ofbetween about 22 and 26 inches at current of about 20 mA to about 50 mAat about 2.0 volts to about 5.0 volts. A resistor 92 is preferablyconnected in series with the light emitting diode to act as a voltagedivider so as to reduce the ignition voltage of the vehicle, which is inthe range of 9 to 16 volts (nominally 12 volts), to the desiredoperating voltage of the light source 90 (while typically is in therange of about 1 volt to about 5 volts, with about 2 volts to about 4.5volts most typical for the preferred solid-state, very high intensityLED sources). Resistor 92 preferably has a resistance of less than about1500 ohms and greater than about 100 ohms; more preferably less thanabout 1000 ohms and greater than about 200 ohms.

As is best seen in FIG. 6, it is preferred that the light emittingsource such as source 90 (such as an LED) be mounted within one end of ahollow, molded plastic, cylindrical adaptor 94 having one open end 96within the mirror case through which the source is telescopically fittedand retained by friction or otherwise and a second opening 98 throughthe bottom wall of mirror case 12. Opening 98 may optionally be closedby a clear plastic lens 100 which is snap-fitted between mounting ribs99. Lens 100 may be any of a Fresnel lens, or a binary optic, or arefractive optic, or a holographic optic. Opening 98 helps confine anddirect the pattern of light emanating from light source 90. Light source90 may be mounted in a light conduit which may be formed separate from,or integral with (such as by molding during the molding of the case, orbezel of the case itself), the mirror case, mounting arm or channelmember. The inner walls of this light conduit may optionally be coatedwith a diffuse and/or specularly reflecting material to provide asurface that enhances efficient illumination of interior vehicularlocations. Also light directing means such as fiberoptic cables orbundles may optionally be used in conjunction with light source 90. Inaddition, the exterior surface of the lower end of adapter 94 includesspaced ridges 102a, 102b which receive the thickness of bottom wall 15of mirror case 12 therebetween to stably support and position theadapter in the mirror case. The upper ridge 102a may include a taperedsurface as does the upper end of adaptor 94 allowing the adapter to bepushed and snap-fitted into a circular opening in the bottom wall of themirror case as shown in FIG. 6. Preferably, hollow adapter 94 is moldedfrom any thermoplastic resinous plastic although thermoset, resinousplastics could also be used. Also, adapter 94 may be formed during themolding of the mirror case 12 itself and/or during molding of asubassembly of the mirror case, such as a bezel. Such molding mayinclude insert injection molding whereby a diffuse and/or specularlyreflecting surface or sleeve may be created across and along theinwardly facing surface of the inner walls of adapter 94.

As shown in FIG. 7, when connected via circuit 70 to connector block 62and the power system of the vehicle in which the mirror assembly 10 ismounted, light emitting source such as diode 90 provides a directedpattern of light of low level intensity for illuminating the desiredarea of the vehicle such as the center console including thetransmission shift lever (FIG. 2) without creating glare visible by thedriver of the vehicle in which the assembly is mounted. The diodeprovides continuous illumination of the desired areas without requiringbacklit, individual lighting on the instrumentation or controls, withoutgenerating significant heat, and without producing unwanted glare. Asshown in FIG. 8, light emitting diode 90 and resistor 92 may beconnected in series in circuit 60 to the power system of the vehiclewhich includes a door operated switch 110 for alternate operation oflamp assemblies 24, 26 with manual switches 68a, 68b, and an ignitionswitch 112 which controls actuation of the diode. The vehicle powersystem is typically connected to a 12-volt DC battery, as illustrated.Thus, in this circuit, if the door of the vehicle is opened as shown inFIG. 8, power will be directed to the general illumination lamps 39forming parts of lamp assemblies 24, 26 described above. In the eventswitches 68a, 68b are moved to their alternate positions, lamps 39 willbe lighted regardless of whether the vehicle door is opened or closed.Light emitting diode 90 is operated by the closing of ignition switch112 to either its accessory on or ignition on position and providesconstant illumination of the desired instrument panel and/or consolearea of the vehicle interior at all times when the ignition switch isturned to the ignition on position or to the accessory on position.

Alternately, light emitting diode 90 and resistor 92 may be connected inseries to the power system of the vehicle through a rheostat/dimmerswitch 116 located, for example, at the headlight control switch 114. Inthis version, 60' FIG. 9) general illumination lamps 39 are controlledin the same manner as described above by door switch 110 or the manualcontrol switches 68a, 68b. Light emitting diode 90 is controlled byrheostat/dimmer switch 116. The intensity of the light provided by diode90 may be changed by rheostat/dimmer switch 116. Headlights 115 areseparately controlled with switch 114 typically mounted in conjunctionwith rheostat 116. Accordingly, the low level illumination provided bylight emitting diode 90 may be variously controlled to operate at alltimes during vehicle operation or as desired through a separate rheostatcontrol switch.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, a second embodiment 120 of the interiorrearview mirror assembly of the present invention may incorporate a pairof low level light emitting sources such as light emitting diodes 90',90a' of the type described above in connection with assembly 10.Assembly 120 includes a mirror case 12', actuator assembly 18', lampassemblies 24', 26' operated by switches 68a', 68b' all substantiallysimilar to those described above in connection with assembly 10. Insteadof a single light emitting source 90, however, assembly 120 includes twolight emitting diodes 90', 90a' positioned at opposite ends of themirror case as shown in FIG. 11. Each light emitting diode 90', 90a' istelescopingly mounted in a hollow, cylindrical adapter 94', 94a' asdescribed above in connection with assembly 10 and as shown in FIG. 6.Diode 90', when mounted in its adapter 94', is directed to provide lowlevel illumination of, for example, the center or shift lever console125 and instrument panel areas of the vehicle while diode 90a' whenmounted in its adapter 94a' is directed more sharply toward theinstrument panel area 130 in front of the vehicle driver. In somevehicles, a floor console is located at the position of the shift leverconsole, and the diode 90' will illuminate that console. Also, variouscontrols may be located in a console area on the side door such as at134 in FIG. 10 and diode 90a' may be directed from mirror assembly 120to illuminate such areas as well. Alternately, one or more of the diodescould be mounted in case 120 and directed upwardly against a roofmounted header or headliner console as shown at 136 in FIG. 10. Thepositions of the light as directed by the diodes can, of course, beadjusted by moving the mirror assembly on its support. Each diode alsoincludes an electrical resistor 92', 92a' connected in series therewithas described above in connection with assembly 10. Alternately, diodes90' and 90a' can both be connected in series with a common resistor, theignition/battery voltage of the vehicle being applied across the seriesconnection of the voltage dividing resistor and the two LED's. Thediodes in assembly 120 are connected in parallel from connector block62a such that both will provide directed low level light as controlledby the ignition switch 112 or rheostat/dimmer switch 116 as describedabove in connection with FIGS. 8 and 9. Accordingly, multiple low levellight emitting sources can be incorporated in the interior rearviewmirror assembly for directing low level illumination at desired,different areas of the vehicle interior. Alternately, multiple low levellight emitting sources may be directed to illuminate the same targetlocation in the vehicle to enhance intensity, uniformity and/or arealcoverage of illumination.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a third embodiment 150 of the presentinvention includes a low level light emitting source 152 mounted in themirror assembly support arm 154 at the header or roof area portion ofthe vehicle above the windshield. In this version, mirror support arm154 is fixed in position and provides a single pivot for adjustment ofthe position of a rearview mirror assembly 156. Mirror assembly 156 maybe any of a wide variety of interior rearview mirrors including manuallyoperated, prismatic day/night mirrors as described in U.S. Pat. Nos.4,826,289 and 4,936,533, electrically operated prismatic day/nightmirrors such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,948,242, electricallyoperated, compass mirrors such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,253,109,electrically operated, interior rearview mirrors incorporatingmap/reading lights such as those described above in assemblies 10 and120, or as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,646,210, 4,733,336, 4,807,096and 5,178,448, as well as electrically operated, automatically dimmingmirrors as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,793,690, 4,799,768, 4,886,960and 5,193,029, preferably electrochromic mirrors utilizing either solidstate elements or electrochemichromic elements such as described incommonly-assigned, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/316,047, filedSep. 30, 1994, entitled MODULAR VARIABLE REFLECTANCE MIRROR ASSEMBLY,now U.S. Pat. No. 5,615,857, or electrically operated memory interiorrearview mirrors, the disclosures of all of such United States patentsand patent applications being incorporated by reference herein. The lowlight emitting sources of this invention are preferably used inconjunction with electrically operated mirrors as this provides aconvenient and economical method to incorporate the sources in thevehicle at a central, high-mounted location, by piggy-back connection tothe existing ignition power lines(s) that carry ignition voltage to theelectrically operated mirror. Location on or within an interior rearviewmirror, and particularly such that the low-level source is emittingdownwardly such as through the bottom of the mirror case, isparticularly advantageous in its placement of the emitting source belowthe drivers line of sight so that the driver is largely unaware andunglared by the emitting source mounted on or within the mirror case.Pivot 155 is located at that lower, free end 157 of rigid support arm154 while the upper end of the arm includes a breakaway assembly 158adapted to release from a header-mounted plate 160 upon impact during anaccident or the like. Breakaway assembly 158 and support arm 154 maytake one of several forms such as that shown in co-pending,commonly-assigned, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/336,296, filedNov. 8, 1994, invented by Richard R. Hook, entitled MIRROR SUPPORTBRACKET, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,615,557, or in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat.No. 5,100,095, the disclosures of both of which are also herebyincorporated by reference herein.

As shown in FIG. 13, low level light emitting source 152 is preferably alight emitting diode such as that described above in connection withassembly 10 and is fitted in a hollow, cylindrical adapter 162 similarto that in assembly 10 including circumferential ridges or ribs on theexterior adapted to mate with and fit along the edges of a circularaperture in the wall of the header end 158 of support arm 154. Theelectrical connections 164 from diode 152 extend through the plate 160and the headliner/trim panel 166 along the roof of the vehicle forconnection to the vehicle power system and ultimate control either bythe ignition switch or a rheostat/dimmer switch as explained above inconnection with FIGS. 8 and 9. Accordingly, assembly 150 provides afixed location for the low level light emitting source 152 allowing itto be directed at the desired interior instrument panel/console areas ofthe vehicle.

With reference to FIGS. 14-16, a fourth embodiment of an interiorrearview mirror assembly 180 incorporating a low level light emittingsource of the present invention includes an interior rearview mirror 182of the type shown or described above in connection with embodiments 10,120 or 150 or others as are conventionally known in the vehicleindustry. Mirror assembly 182 is adjustably supported by a double ballpivot assembly 182 such as that shown at 82 above in assembly 10. Thedouble ball pivot arm 184 is connected to a windshield mount by means ofa coupler or channel-mount 186 such as that described above at 84 inconnection with assembly 10. Instead of mounting the low level lightemitting source on the mirror assembly or the mounting arm for themirror assembly, however, assembly 180 includes a separate instrumenthousing or pod 188 mounted on coupler 186 and including a low levellight emitting source 190 projecting therefrom in a fixed position forilluminating a desired portion of the vehicle interior. Housing/pod 188is preferably of the type shown and described in co-pending,commonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/195,353, filedFeb. 10, 1994, entitled VEHICLE INFORMATION DISPLAY, invented by RodneyK. Blank et al., now U.S. Pat. No. 5,576,687 the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference herein. Such housing/pod may includedisplays such as compass, temperature and clock displays; sensors suchas compass sensors, GPS sensors, automatic toll sensors, automaticheadlamp dimmer sensors, and ambient light sensors; and lights such asincandescent lamps for general illumination within the vehicle.

As shown in FIGS. 14-16, housing or pod 188 includes a two-part housingbody including lower body 192 and upper body 194 joined by means of aninterengaging rim or joint 196. Upper housing body 194 includes anattachment member 198 including a wall 200 defining a cavity 202 forreceiving the coupler 186. Wall 200 has a low profile at one end 204 andincreases in height to a taller end 206. Taller end 206 includes acircular recess or clip 208 while the shorter end 204 includes aninwardly projecting tab 210. Recess 208 has a diameter adapted toreceive the neck portion 212 extending from a ball member includedwithin mounting arm 184 in snap-fit fashion. Opposed shoulders 209, 211at the top of the clip 208 form a partial circle with a neck receivingopening slightly smaller than the diameter of neck 212 and allowattachment member 198 to be detachably coupled to the neck.Simultaneously, tab 210 is received in a slot defined in the lower endof the coupler 186 prior to snap-fit of recess 208 around neck 212.Alternately, housing/pod 188 may be secured to coupler 186 by othermethods such as threaded fasteners, or the like.

Housing/pod 188 also includes a plug receptacle or recess 214 forreceiving an electrical plug to couple electrical energy and/orelectrical signals to the instruments mounted within housing/pod 188 bymeans of a suitable pin connector/electrical plug (not shown). A pinreceptacle 216 is mounted in the bottom of recess 214 and is connectedto a circuit board 218 mounted on supports 220 within the housing toprovide a digital display compass or the like for use on the vehicle. Inaddition to the other instrumentation in housing/pod 188, a low levellight emitting source 190 preferably comprising a light emitting diodeof the type described above in connection with assembly 10 is mounted ina fixed position, extends through the wall of lower housing 192 in ahollow, cylindrical adapter 222 as described above in connection withassemblies 10, 120 and 150. Diode 190 is connected by suitableelectrical wiring 224 to pin receptacle 216 for connection via anelectrical plug to the general vehicle electrical system.

As will now be understood, when diode 190 is suitably mounted in adapter222 in housing 188 as described above, housing 188 may be secured tocoupler 186 forming a part of the rearview mirror assembly support suchthat light emitting diode 190 is directed downwardly to provide lowlevel illumination of a desired portion of the instrument panel orconsole area of the vehicle which is generally positioned below therearview mirror assembly as shown by FIGS. 2, 10 and 14. As above, theoperation of diode 190 is preferably controlled either by the ignitionswitch of the vehicle or by a separate rheostat/dimmer switch such as isshown and described above in connection with FIGS. 8 and 9. Thus, a lowlevel light emitting source may be positioned in a separate housingsecured to the rearview mirror assembly to provide greater flexibilityin accommodating various types of rearview mirror assemblies and fordifferent positioning options for illumination of various areas of thevehicle.

Referring now to FIGS. 17-19, a fifth embodiment 230 of an interiorrearview mirror assembly incorporating a low level light emitting sourceof the present invention is shown. Assembly 230 is of the type describedin published European Patent Application No. 0 615 882 A2, filed Mar.18, 1994, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by referenceherein. The assembly includes a mirror case 232 which, like mirror cases12 and 12' above, is preferably molded from a resinous, thermoplastic orthermoset plastic which may be reinforced with fibers, adapted formounting on a vehicle windshield by means of an adjustable mirrorsupport 80' of the type described above in connection with assembly 10.Instead of a ball member extending outwardly from its rear side, mirrorcase 232 includes a socket 234 for receiving a ball member extendingoutwardly from mirror support 80', and is a rear wall 236, and aperipheral wall 238 having top, bottom and end portions. Socket 234 isformed in a recess 240 in the rear wall of the case, as shown in FIG.18. The mirror case also includes a plurality of support flanges 242integrally formed on the interior surface of the mirror case 232 tosupport a variable reflectance, electro-optic mirror cell 246 more fullydescribed below. A forward facing light sensor (not shown) extendsthrough rear wall 236 while a second light sensor 244 faces rearwardly.Electro-optic, reflective mirror cell 246 which preferably is anelectrochromic cell either of the solid-state type or theelectrochemichromic type! is mounted in the rearwardly facing opening ofmirror case 232 and held therein by a peripheral bezel 248 as shown inFIG. 18. A layer of foam material 250 is adhered to the rear surface ofmirror cell 246 and covers substantially the entire rear surface of thecell except where items such as through-the-cell photodetectors andinformation displays, such as compass displays, are mounted behind themirror. Foam layer 250, such as a cross-linked polyethylene foam, actsas a resilient shock absorber to reduce the risk of breaking the mirrorelement during an impact, and includes an adhesive layer applied to bothits front and rear surfaces. One adhesive surface of the foam is adheredto the rear surface of mirror cell 246. The second adhesive surfaceprovides an attachment for a printed circuit board 252 mounted thereon.The rear surface of circuit board 242 which faces away from mirror cell246 carries various electrical components of an electrical circuit usedto control operation of the electro-optic mirror cell such as a circuit,for example, like that described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No.4,886,960, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by referenceherein. Printed circuit board 252 includes a socket 254 on its rearsurface for receiving a plug 256 extending from the vehicle electricalsystem through rear wall 236 at the upper portion of recess 240. Printedcircuit board 252 also includes a two-position electrical switch 258 foron/off control of the electro-optic circuit.

Preferably, variable reflectance, electro-optic reflective mirror cell246 is an electrochromic mirror cell that includes a transparent, frontglass sheet 260 and a transparent, rear glass sheet 262 having areflective coating 263 applied to its rear surface. Front glass 260 andreflective rear glass 262 are slightly offset relative to one anothersuch that the upper and lower edges project for connection toappropriate metal connection strips (not shown). A variable lighttransmittance, electrochromic layer 264 is sandwiched in the spacebetween the front glass 260 and rear of glass 262. The front surface ofrear glass 262 and rear surface of front glass 260 each have atransparent electroconductive coating, such as indium tin oxide or dopedtin oxide or the like, to conduct electricity across the full contactextent of electrochromic layer 264 from the connection strips secured atthe offset top and bottom of the front and rear glass sheets. Whencontrolled by printed circuit 252, electrical voltage is applied acrosselectro-optic cell 246 between front glass 260 and rear glass 262causing a variation in the transmittance of layer 264 such as darkeningor opacity to reduce the light reflected by the reflective rear glass262. Electrochromic layer 264 may, for example, be an electrochromiclayer such as is described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,140,455and 5,151,816 or in the following publications: N. R. Lynam,"Electrochromic Automotive Day/Night Mirrors", SAE Technical PaperSeries, 870636 (1987); N. R. Lynam, "Smart Windows for Automobiles", SAETechnical Paper Series, 900419 (1990); N. R. Lynam and A. Agrawal,"Automotive Applications of Chromogenic Materials", Large AreaChromogenics: Materials and Devices for Transmittance Control, C. M.Lampert and C. G. Granquist, EDS., Optical Engineering Press, Washington(1990), the disclosures of which are each hereby incorporated byreference herein, or other as described above in assembly 10.

As also shown in FIGS. 17-19, a low level light emitting source 270,such as a light emitting diode as described above in connection withassemblies 10, 120, 150 and 180, and resistor 271 are connected to thevehicle electrical system through circuit board 252 by wire conductors272 and frictionally telescoped into the top, open end of a hollow,cylindrical adapter 274 of the type described above in connection withthe other embodiments of the present application. Adapter 274 includesan open lower end mounted in an aperture in the bottom periphery of case232 through which low level light from light emitting source 270 isprojected, such lower end optionally being closed by a suitable lens 276as described in connection with the other embodiments above.Accordingly, low level light emitting source 270 may be fitted in theconfines of a mirror case supporting an electro-optic mirror 246 as wellas in mirror cases adapted to receive manual, day/night prismatic typereflective mirror elements or other electrically operated added featuressuch as map or reading lights and compass displays.

With reference to FIGS. 20-22, the low level light emitting source ofthe present invention may also be incorporated in interior vehicle lampassemblies such as that shown at 280. Such interior vehicle lampassemblies include dome lamps, rail lamps, courtesy lamps, side doorillumination lamps and their like. Lamp assembly 280 includes a frontface plate or support 282, a lamp module 284 receiving a lamp socket 286and incandescent, bayonet-type lamp or bulb 288 therein, the socket 286and bulb 288 being telescoped within lamp module 284 as shown in FIG.21. Lamp module 284 is secured to the rear surface of support 282 inregistry with an opening 290 therein which receives a Fresnel or othertype lens 292 snap-fitted into a shallow recess via appropriate openingsaround aperture 290 from the front side of the support. Thus, light frombulb 288 is directed through aperture 290 and focused or directed bylens 292 to the desired interior area of the vehicle. A double pole,single-throw switch 294 is mounted in registry with a second opening oraperture 296 adjacent light opening 290 in support 282 for access fromthe front of the support through opening 296. A protective housing orcover 298 is secured over both the lamp module 284 and switch 294, asshown in FIG. 21, for protection and containment of electrical wiring299. As shown, socket 286 is connected to a plug receptacle 300 byelectrical wiring 299, such wiring also extending to switch 294 in aconventionally known manner such that the switch can control the on/offoperation of bulb 288. Plug receptacle 300 is mounted to extend throughone side of housing 298.

As is also shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, a solid support surface 302 on theopposite side of aperture 290 from opening 296 is provided within ashallow recess 304. Surface 302 includes a small circular aperture 306extending therethrough which, at the rear of the support surface, issurrounded by a cylindrical, hollow holder 308 into which a lightemitting diode 310 of the type described above in connection withassemblies 10, 120, 150, 180 and 230 is telescopically and frictionallyfitted just as in hollow adapter 94. As in those same assembliesdescribed above, a resistor 312 of the type described at 92 above isconnected in series with light emitting diode 310 to limit the voltageacross the diode. A clear or transparent, molded plastic cover or lens314 is snap-fitted into recess 304 to close aperture 306 yet allow thepassage of low level light emanating therethrough from diode 310.

As shown in FIG. 22, appropriate electrical wiring is provided forconnection of both incandescent bulb 288 and low level light emittingsource 310 illustrated as an LED through receptacle 300 to the powersystem of the vehicle. It is preferred that the on/off switch 294 andincandescent bulb 288 be connected in series as are the light emittingdiode 310 and resistor 312. In addition, switch and bulb 294, 288 areconnected in parallel with the diode and resistor 310, 312 such thatlight emitting diode 310 will be continuously illuminated whenever thepower system for the vehicle is switched on through the ignition switchas described above either when the ignition switch is moved to its"accessory on" position or its "ignition on" position. However, bulb 288is further controlled such that when switch 294 is open, bulb 288 willnot be illuminated. In such case, the low level light from diode 310will be directed to the desired portions of the vehicle interior forillumination of instrumentation or controls. When switch 294 is closed,a low resistance path is provided through the filament of bulb 288 whichilluminates bulb 288 to provide general interior lighting. In such case,light from incandescent bulb 288 supplements the light from the diode310 until switch 294 is again opened.

Accordingly, the low level light emitting source of the presentinvention can be located other than at an interior rearview mirror suchas in an interior lamp assembly 280 which may be positioned in theheadliner of the vehicle or over the passenger windows and used as adome lamp, rail lamp or the like. In such case, the low light emittingsource 310 and its series voltage limiting resistor 312 piggyback byconvenient electrical connection to preexisting electrical wiringcarrying ignition voltage to the interior lighting assembly or to otherelectrically operated accessories, components, and/or controls in thevehicle. As in the other assemblies described above, light emittingsources other than light emitting diodes can be used in mirror assembly230 or interior lamp assembly 280 such as vacuum fluorescent sources,electroluminescent sources or semiconductor laser sources, all asdescribed above. Furthermore, the non-incandescent, low level lightemitting sources of the invention can be located in the vehicle atlocations other than at mirror or interior lighting locations, butpreferably in proximity to existing electrical wiring carrying ignitionvoltage to realize the benefits described above. The benefits of thisinvention are applicable in a variety of vehicles such as inconvertibles equipped with lighted interior mirrors.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a non-incandescent, lowlevel, low wattage light emitting source incorporating one of varioustypes of emitting sources on an interior rearview mirror assembly or aninterior vehicle lamp assembly to provide local area illumination takingunique advantage of the position of the rearview mirror assembly orinterior lamp assembly when mounted in a vehicle. Rearview mirrorassemblies and interior lighting typically mounted in the header regionor in the upper windshield area of the vehicle can thus provide adesirable geographic location which provides a high-mount, typicallyelectrically serviced, setting for the light emitting sources of thisinvention. Various forms of the invention can easily be accommodated tovarious different types of basic or added feature rearview mirrorassemblies while the exact position of the low level light emittingsource on the mirror assembly can be varied as desired from either themirror case to the mounting arm to the overall support, such as forexample, by means of a separate housing/pod. The emitting sourceprovides a well defined pattern of light avoiding the need for separatereflectors, filters, collimators, diffusers or light stops, provideslong life and pleasing color options, generates little heat and requireslow power for operation but will typically outlast the operationallifetime rearview mirror assembly or interior lamp assembly itself andthe vehicle in which it is mounted. Also, while generally, andpreferably, illustrated herein as connected to the direct current (DC)voltage output of the vehicle ignition/battery system, the lightemitting sources of this invention can, depending on their electricalcharacteristics and ancillary drive circuitry utilized, be operated byother electrical modes including pulsed direct current and alternatingcurrent voltage drives.

While several forms of the invention have been shown and described,other forms will now be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore,it will be understood that the embodiments shown in the drawings anddescribed above are merely for illustrative purposes, and are notintended to limit the scope of the invention which is defined by theclaims which follow.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are as follows:
 1. An interior rearview mirrorassembly for a vehicle having an engine, at least one electricallyoperated accessory, and an accessory/ignition circuit with an ignitionswitch having an accessory on position for operating the accessory andan ignition on position for operating at least the engine and theaccessory, said assembly comprising:a mirror case including a reflectivemirror element; a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle;said assembly including a non-incandescent, directed, low level, lightemitting source; and said light emitting source positioned on saidassembly to provide directed, low level, local area illumination of aninterior portion of the vehicle, said light emitting source including alight emitting diode, said light emitting diode being located on saidassembly at a distance from the interior vehicle portion to beilluminated, said light emitting diode being adapted for connection tothe accessory/ignition circuit of the vehicle whereby said lightemitting diode will be continuously illuminated when the ignition switchis at one of the accessory on and ignition on positions.
 2. The assemblyof claim 1 wherein said light emitting diode operates at a current lessthan or equal to about 200 mA.
 3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein saidlight emitting diode operates at a current of less than or equal toabout 20 mA.
 4. The assembly of claim 2 wherein said light emittingdiode operates at a current within the range of about 20 to about 100mA.
 5. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said light emitting diodeprovides illumination less than or equal to about 4.0 lux at a distanceof about 22 to 26 inches from said diode.
 6. The assembly of claim 5wherein said light emitting diode provides illumination of between about0.2 and 4.0 lux at a distance of about 22 to 26 inches from said diode.7. The assembly of claim 1 wherein said light emitting diode is formedfrom a material including at least one of aluminum, indium, gallium,arsenic, and phosphorous.
 8. The assembly of claim 1 wherein theinterior portion of the vehicle comprises at least one of an instrumentpanel area of the vehicle and a console area of the vehicle.
 9. Theassembly of claim 8 wherein the console area is one of a floor consolearea, a side door console area, a shift lever console area, and a roofconsole area.
 10. The assembly of claim 8 wherein the interior portionis a shift lever console.
 11. The assembly of claim 1 including a mountreceiving said light emitting diode.
 12. The assembly of claim 11wherein said mount is on or within at least one of said mirror case andsaid support.
 13. The assembly of claim 12 wherein said mount is on orwithin said mirror case.
 14. The assembly of claim 13 wherein saidmirror case includes a peripheral portion having a bottom; said mountand light emitting diode being located so as to emit light downwardlyfrom said bottom.
 15. The assembly of claim 14 further including a lightopening in said bottom of said mirror case; at least one incandescentlamp for providing general illumination in the vehicle, said lamp beingmounted on said mirror case and directing light downwardly through saidlight opening.
 16. The assembly of claim 14 wherein said one of saidmirror case and said support includes an aperture; said mount includinga hollow adapter secured in said aperture, said adapter having first andsecond ends, said first end receiving said light emitting diode therein,said second end opening through said aperture.
 17. The assembly of claim16 wherein said second end of said hollow adapter includes a lensthrough which light from said light emitting diode is directed.
 18. Theassembly of claim 17 wherein said hollow adapter is cylindrical andincludes spaced flanges on the exterior thereof for securing saidadapter on said bottom; said light emitting diode also being cylindricaland telescoped within said first end of said adapter.
 19. The assemblyof claim 1 wherein said support includes a mounting arm, said lightemitting diode being mounted on or within said mounting arm.
 20. Theassembly of claim 19 wherein at least one of said mirror case andmounting arm includes a mounting ball; the other of said mirror case andmounting arm including a socket receiving said mounting ball for pivotaladjustment of the position of said mirror case.
 21. The assembly ofclaim 1 wherein the vehicle includes a windshield and a header areaadjacent the windshield; said support being adapted for connection tothe header area of the vehicle adjacent the windshield.
 22. The assemblyof claim 21 wherein said light emitting diode is located on or withinsaid support.
 23. The assembly of claim 1 including a vehicle accessorymounting pod attached to said support; said light emitting diode beinglocated on or within said pod.
 24. The assembly of claim 1 wherein saidlight emitting diode emits light having a wavelength producing a colorselected from the group consisting essentially of green, yellow, red,blue, orange, amber and reddish-orange.
 25. The assembly of claim 24wherein said light emitting diode emits light having a wavelengthproducing a color selected from the group consisting essentially ofamber, red and reddish-orange.
 26. The assembly of claim 1 furtherincluding at least one incandescent lamp for providing generalillumination in the vehicle.
 27. The assembly of claim 26 wherein saidmirror case includes a pair of incandescent lamps for generalillumination in the vehicle, said lamps being spaced from one anotherand said low level light emitting diode.
 28. The assembly of claim 27including at least one electrical switch for controlling said lamps anda rheostat electrically connected to said light emitting diode forcontrolling the light output of said light emitting diode.
 29. Theassembly of claim 1 wherein said assembly is an electrically operatedrearview mirror assembly.
 30. The assembly of claim 29 wherein saidreflective mirror element is an electro-optic element including anelectrochromic medium adapted to darken when an electrical voltage isapplied thereacross.
 31. An interior rearview mirror assembly for avehicle having an engine, at least one electrically operated accessory,and an accessory/ignition circuit with an ignition switch having anaccessory on position for operating the accessory and an ignition onposition for operating at least the engine and the accessory, saidassembly comprising:a mirror case including a reflective mirror elementand a non-incandescent, directed, low level, light emitting source; saidlight emitting source positioned on said assembly to provide directed,low level, local area illumination of an interior portion of the vehicleat a distance from said mirror assembly; said light emitting sourcebeing selected from the group consisting of a light emitting diode, avacuum fluorescent source, an electroluminescent source and asemiconductor laser source, said light emitting source being adapted forconnection to the accessory/ignition circuit of the vehicle whereby saidlight emitting source will be continuously illuminated when the ignitionswitch is at one of the accessory on and ignition on positions.
 32. Theassembly of claim 31 wherein the interior portion of the vehiclecomprises at least one of an instrument panel area and a console area ofthe vehicle.
 33. The assembly of claim 31 further including at least onelamp for providing general illumination in the vehicle.
 34. The assemblyof claim 31 wherein said reflective mirror element is an electro-opticelement including an electrochromic medium adapted to darken when anelectrical voltage is applied thereacross.
 35. An interior rearviewmirror assembly for a vehicle having an electrical circuit with a switchhaving an off position and at least one on position for operating thevehicle, said assembly comprising:a mirror case including a reflectivemirror element; a support for securing said assembly on the vehicle;said assembly including a light emitting diode positioned to providedirected, low level, local area illumination of at least one of aninstrument panel area of the vehicle and a console area of the vehicle,said assembly being located at a distance from the instrument panel areaor console area of the vehicle to be illuminated, said light emittingdiode being adapted for connection to the electrical circuit of thevehicle whereby said light emitting diode will be continuouslyilluminated when the switch is at the on position.
 36. The assembly ofclaim 35 wherein said light emitting diode is formed from a materialincluding at least one of aluminum, indium, gallium, arsenic, andphosphorous.
 37. The assembly of claim 35 wherein said light emittingdiode operates at a current less than or equal to about 200 mA.
 38. Theassembly of claim 35 wherein said light emitting diode providesillumination less than or equal to about 4.0 lux at a distance of about22 to 26 inches from said diode.
 39. A non-incandescent, directed,low-level, light emitting source mounted on the interior of a vehiclehaving an engine, at least one electrically operated accessory, and anaccessory/ignition circuit with an ignition switch having an accessoryon position for operating the accessory and an ignition on position foroperating at least the engine and the accessory;said light emittingsource positioned to provide directed, low level, local areaillumination of an interior portion of the vehicle, said light emittingsource including a light emitting diode, said light emitting diode beinglocated on the vehicle interior at a distance from the interior vehicleportion to be illuminated, said light emitting diode being adapted forconnection to the accessory/ignition circuit of the vehicle whereby saidlight emitting diode will be continuously illuminated when the ignitionswitch is at one of the accessory on and ignition on positions.
 40. Thelight emitting source of claim 39 wherein the interior of the vehicleincludes a windshield, a headliner, a header region adjacent thewindshield, an upper windshield area, and a rearview mirror, said lightemitting diode being mounted on one of the headliner, the header region,the upper windshield area, and or the rearview mirror.
 41. The lightemitting source of claim 40 wherein said light emitting diode is mountedon the rearview mirror at a position generally above the interiorportion to be illuminated.
 42. The light emitting source of claim 41wherein the rearview mirror includes a support for mounting the rearviewmirror on the vehicle, said light emitting diode being mounted on saidsupport.
 43. The light emitting source of claim 42 wherein the supportfor the rearview mirror further includes a vehicle accessory mountingpod mounted on said support, said light emitting diode mounted on orwithin said pod.
 44. The assembly of claim 41 wherein said rearviewmirror includes a mirror case and a reflective mirror element, and amount on or within said mirror case receiving said light emitting diode.45. The assembly of claim 44 wherein said mirror case includes aperipheral portion having a bottom; said mount and light emitting diodebeing located so as to emit light downwardly from said bottom.
 46. Theassembly of claim 44 further including a light opening in said bottom ofsaid mirror case; at least one incandescent lamp for providing generalillumination in the vehicle, said lamp being mounted on said mirror caseand directing light downwardly through said light opening.
 47. Theassembly of claim 44 wherein said mirror case includes an aperture; saidmount including a hollow adapter secured in said aperture, said adapterhaving first and second ends, said first end receiving said lightemitting diode therein, said second end opening through said aperture.48. The assembly of claim 47 wherein said second end of said hollowadapter includes a lens through which light from said light emittingdiode is directed.
 49. The assembly of claim 48 wherein said hollowadapter is cylindrical and includes spaced flanges on the exteriorthereof for securing said adapter on said bottom; said light emittingdiode also being cylindrical and telescoped within said first end ofsaid adapter.
 50. The assembly of claim 44 wherein said rearview mirroris an electrically operated rearview mirror.
 51. The assembly of claim50 wherein said reflective mirror element is an electro-optic elementincluding an electrochromic medium adapted to darken when an electricalvoltage is applied thereacross.
 52. The assembly of claim 39 whereinsaid light emitting diode is formed from a material including at leastone of aluminum, indium, gallium, arsenic, and phosphorous.
 53. Theassembly of claim 39 wherein the interior portion of the vehicleilluminated by said light emitting diode comprises at least one of aninstrument panel area of the vehicle and a console area of the vehicle.54. The assembly of claim 53 wherein the console area is one of a floorconsole area, a side door console area, a shift lever console area, anda roof console area.
 55. The assembly of claim 53 wherein the interiorportion is a shift lever console.
 56. The assembly of claim 39 whereinsaid light emitting diode operates at a current less than or equal toabout 200 mA.
 57. The assembly of claim 56 wherein said light emittingdiode operates at a current of less than or equal to about 20 mA. 58.The assembly of claim 56 wherein said light emitting diode operates at acurrent within the range of about 20 to about 100 mA.
 59. The assemblyof claim 39 wherein said light emitting diode provides illumination lessthan or equal to about 4.0 lux at a distance of about 22 to 26 inchesfrom said diode.
 60. The assembly of claim 59 wherein said lightemitting diode provides illumination of between about 0.2 and 4.0 lux ata distance of about 22 to 26 inches from said diode.
 61. The assembly ofclaim 39 wherein said light emitting diode emits light having awavelength producing a color selected from the group consistingessentially of green, yellow, red, blue, orange, amber andreddish-orange.
 62. The assembly of claim 59 wherein said light emittingdiode emits light having a wavelength producing a color selected fromthe group consisting essentially of amber, red and reddish-orange. 63.The assembly of claim 39 further including at least one incandescentlamp for providing general illumination in the vehicle.
 64. The assemblyof claim 63 wherein said mirror case includes a pair of incandescentlamps for general illumination in the vehicle, said lamps being spacedfrom one another and said low level light emitting diode.
 65. Theassembly of claim 64 including at least one electrical switch forcontrolling said lamps and a rheostat electrically connected to saidlight emitting diode for controlling the light output of said lightemitting diode.